Current Alerts and Warnings: New South Wales and ACT

Note: this listing may contain non-emergency related information.

ABC Emergency only publishes warnings from official sources. This is a list of official warnings currently available to the ABC. You should check with other sources for more warnings relevant to your area.

For people in Illawarra, Snowy Mountains and parts of South Coast, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands and Australian Capital Territory Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:06 am Wednesday, 15 August 2018.

VIGOROUS WINDS OVER SOUTHEAST NSW ON WEDNESDAY

West to northwesterly winds will continue to strengthen into the day as a cold front approaches from the west. The front is forecast to cross southeastern NSW this afternoon.

For Alpine areas above 1900 metres: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 80 to 90 km/h, with peak gusts in excess of 120 km/h, are forecast today. Blowing snow is expected, and BLIZZARD CONDITIONS are possible. The National Parks Service of NSW recommends that people consider postponing back country travel until conditions improve.

For areas below 1900 metres: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 50 to 65 km/h, with gusts to 90 km/h, are possible during today, peaking in the early afternoon.

Winds are expected to ease in all areas later tonight following the passage of the front.

Thredbo Top Station has recorded mean wind speeds in excess of 80 km/h since around 9:00pm Tuesday.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid on 131 388, or Endeavour Energy on 131 003 or Essential Energy on 132 080, as shown on your power bill.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 am AEST Wednesday.

Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 218. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

ABC frequency finder

Bushfire warnings – what do they mean?

Advice

There is no immediate danger. Stay up to date in case the situation changes.

Watch & Act

Conditions are changing and you need to start taking action now to protect you and your family.

Emergency Warning

You are in imminent in danger and need to take action immediately. Any delay now puts your life at risk.

Don't expect warnings to be issued in any particular order — the first you hear about could be an Emergency Warning.

Fire danger ratings tell you how dangerous a fire would be if one started.

Total fire bans tell you what you can or can't do on days where fire will spread rapidly and be out of control.

Source: Rural Fire Service

Flood warnings – what do they mean?

Minor flooding

Causes inconvenience. Low-lying areas next to watercourses are inundated which may require the removal of stock and equipment. Minor roads may be closed and low-level bridges submerged.

Moderate flooding

In addition to the above, the evacuation of some houses may be required. Main traffic routes may be covered. The area of inundation is substantial in rural areas requiring the removal of stock.

Major flooding

In addition to the above, extensive rural areas and/or urban areas are inundated. Properties and towns are likely to be isolated and major traffic routes likely to be closed. Evacuation of people from flood-affected areas may be required.